Police: Man tried to abduct boy in Armada Township

Michigan State Police are searching for a suspect who, they say, attempted to kidnap a 13-year-old boy Thursday evening in Armada Township.

Police say the boy was approached by a man in a 2002 or 2003 maroon Ford Taurus near North Avenue and Irwin Street. The man tried to entice the boy to get into the vehicle.

The boy refused to get inside and ran home where he told his parents what happened. Meanwhile, the man fled in the vehicle traveling northbound on North Avenue.

Police have provided a composite sketch of the suspect. He is described as a white man about 35 years old. He has blond hair, straight facial hair and a muscular build. He was wearing a fishing-style hat and white T-shirt.

On Friday night, the quiet Armada Township neighborhood was horrified and on the lookout.

"It's a close neighborhood. Everyone knows their neighbor and what cars they drive, and they'll know if it belongs there or not," said Kim Hattis, who lives in the neighborhood.

Strangers stick out in this community.

"Nowadays, everybody has to stay on alert. You see it on the news ... everybody, you really have to," said Joelle Gerlando, who lives in the area.

Anyone with information on the man described or the vehicle is asked to contact the Michigan State Police Metro Post at 248-584-5740 or Crime Stoppers at 800-773-2587.

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